Help us build the
Sanctuary!
Our Passion
In the spring of 2002
a local dog yard was discovered to have over 400
dogs living on a property with only two men
responsible for their care, it was not enough...
Countless dogs were on the verge of starvation,
some
had already passed on and
all were neglected to the point of abuse. This
situation was unique and not normal
for a mushing kennel of happy, healthy running
dogs. This was a rare large scale case of a dog
yard gone very wrong.
A monumental effort began within the community as
mushers, veterinarians, neighbors and dog lovers
came from all areas to help. A temporary clinic
was set up to spay and neuter those dogs who were
healthy and friendly enough for a second chance at
a new home. Unfortunately, out of those 400 there
were many who were so feral, sick and unsocialized
that many had to be humanely euthanized.
It was a job that many of the volunteers could not
handle but Miriam Cooper was one of the few to
step up to the plate. Going deep into the thick of
the dog yard was like a war zone. The living
conditions were marginal at best with 50 gallon
metal drums converted to dog houses for shelter
and fecal matter so high that it was impossible to
see where the actual ground had been.
It was a day that would
forever
become seared into her memory.
When the
situation
became tough it
only gave her more
motivation to keep going, to
work harder and increased
the desire
never to give up.
Day after day she came back
to the same site to help in
what ever
way she could
until the
job was done. It was on one of
those days that three of the most neglected and
starved dogs pulled on her
heartstrings.
Iggy, Ivy and Jupiter came into her life
and started her on a mission to change their
lives. Miriam discovered an unbound joy in her
ability to pour life back into those three dogs
day after day.
At each meal they slowly gained muscle and fat,
over time their bodies became the perfect picture
of health.
All three were touched by the experience, grateful
to have a second chance while Miriam discovered a
satisfaction she never knew existed by giving back
the love and joy in these dogs lives.
Making a difference in life, one dog at a time,
became Miriam's new passion. This has led her to
create the Sled Dog Sanctuary...
